How to Treat Spider Mites on a Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig is a popular houseplant susceptible to pests, with spider mites being a common issue. These tiny pests can be difficult to manage if not addressed properly. Understanding how to identify, eliminate, and prevent spider mites is necessary for maintaining the health of these plants.

Identifying a Spider Mite Infestation

Correctly identifying spider mites begins with looking for the pests themselves. These tiny arachnids are difficult to spot with the naked eye and appear as small red, brown, or yellow dots clustered on the undersides of leaves. A magnifying glass can help confirm their presence, or you can wipe a leaf’s underside with a white cloth; reddish-brown streaks are a strong indication of an infestation.

The damage they cause is also a clear sign. Spider mite feeding creates a pattern called stippling—tiny yellow or white dots across the leaf’s surface from where they have pierced the cells. In advanced cases, you will see fine, silk-like webbing where leaves meet the stem or under the foliage, and damaged leaves may turn yellow or bronze before falling off.

Step-by-Step Treatment Guide

Once an infestation is confirmed, the first action is to isolate the infested fiddle leaf fig from any other houseplants. Spider mites can spread easily from one plant to another, so moving the affected plant to a separate room will contain the problem and protect your other plants.

With the plant isolated, physically remove as many mites as possible. Take the plant to a shower or use a hose outdoors to thoroughly spray the leaves with lukewarm water, paying special attention to the undersides. Afterward, gently wipe down each individual leaf, both top and bottom, with a soft, damp cloth to ensure more of the pests are removed.

After cleaning the plant, apply a treatment like horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. These options work by suffocating the mites and their eggs. To use neem oil, mix it with water and a drop of mild dish soap to help it emulsify, then spray the entire plant, ensuring complete coverage of all leaf surfaces and stems.

A single treatment is rarely sufficient because the spider mite life cycle is short and eggs can hatch after the initial application. Repeat the treatment every five to seven days for several weeks. This schedule ensures newly hatched mites are eliminated before they can reproduce, effectively breaking the life cycle.

Preventing Future Spider Mite Problems

Prevention focuses on creating an environment unfavorable to spider mites. These pests thrive in warm, dry conditions, so increasing humidity is a preventative strategy. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or mist the leaves regularly to deter mites from establishing a population.

Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth removes dust and stray pests before they can multiply. This practice also provides an opportunity to inspect the plant for early signs of an infestation. When watering, take a moment to look over the leaves and stems for any issues.

Thoroughly inspect any new plants before bringing them into your home and placing them near your existing collection. Quarantining new additions for a few weeks is a good practice, as it allows you to observe them for any hidden pest issues that could spread.

Post-Infestation Plant Care

After an infestation is eliminated, your fiddle leaf fig needs care to recover from the stress of the pests and treatment. Prune away any heavily damaged or yellowed leaves. This allows the plant to redirect its energy toward producing new, healthy growth instead of sustaining foliage that will not recover.

Provide optimal care during recovery by ensuring the plant receives the correct amount of light and water. Be cautious not to overwater, as a stressed plant is more susceptible to root rot. The goal is to provide a stable environment that supports the plant’s natural recovery processes.

Hold off on fertilizing immediately after a pest problem, as it can damage a stressed plant’s root system. Wait for clear signs of recovery, like new leaves or buds. Once the plant is actively growing again, you can resume a regular fertilizing schedule.